The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will bring forward state pension payments this Friday, meaning basic state pensioners born before 1953 (women) or 1951 (men) will receive £740 for the month, or £184 a week, 72 hours earlier than usual.
The early payment applies to those with National Insurance numbers ending in 00 to 19, who would normally receive their pension on Monday. Because Monday is the August Bank Holiday, the DWP and the Labour Party government have confirmed the cash will be paid on Friday instead.
Government confirms early payment
Sir Stephen Timms, Labour Party cabinet member, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that benefit payments due on the August bank holiday will be paid earlier. This will help ensure families and older people receive their money without disruption over the bank holiday period.”
The DWP added: “You’ll be asked when you want to start getting your State Pension when you claim. Your first payment will be no later than 5 weeks after the date you choose. You’ll get a full payment every 4 weeks after that. You might get part of a payment before your first full payment. The letter confirming your State Pension payment will tell you what to expect.”
How payment days are determined
The day of the week you are paid your state pension depends on your National Insurance number, according to the DWP. The department explains: “The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. You might be paid earlier if your normal payment day is a bank holiday.”
National Insurance numbers correspond to payment days as follows: 00 to 19 – paid on Monday; 20 to 39 – paid on Tuesday; 40 to 59 – paid on Wednesday; 60 to 79 – paid on Thursday; and 80 to 99 – paid on Friday. This Friday’s early payment will therefore only affect those in the 00 to 19 group, who would otherwise have waited until Monday.
Impact on pensioners
For basic state pensioners in that group, the change means they will receive their full monthly amount of £740 on Friday, rather than on the bank holiday Monday. The DWP has confirmed that the payment is brought forward, not delayed, so no one in the affected group will have to wait longer than usual for their money.
Pensioners who are unsure which payment day applies to them can check their National Insurance number against the list above. The DWP advises that the letter confirming a state pension payment will detail what to expect, including any part payment before the first full payment.
